Top 10 Places to Celebrate Christmas

1. Las Vegas – Christmas is all about indulgence and treating yourself and your family, and what better place for this than the city of over the top luxury and entertainment that is Las Vegas. There are a number of impressive hotels that go all out for the Christmas and New Year period with some visually stunning decorations, and this time of year you can also get some great bargains as there is heavy competition among hotels to secure Christmas bookings. The Mirage is one of the biggest luxury hotels, and the massive aquarium in the lobby will take your breath away. It is also a casino and has its own shows such as the very popular Cirque du Soleil extravaganza, which you will need to book in advance as it can sell out at peak times.

2. Honolulu, Oahu – tropical beach resorts are always popular at Christmas time and the heart of Hawaii, the island of Oahu, is one of the best mid winter sun destinations, full of warm and welcoming traditional culture and beautiful natural scenery. The famous white tropical beaches of Waikiki are the perfect place to treat your family to a relaxing, memorable Christmas, and Honolulu city spares no expense on the holiday decorations and electric Christmas light parades.

3. Disneyland, Orlando, Florida – perhaps one of the most special places you can take your children for the Christmas break is Disneyland. It really is a magical place, and Christmas is extra special with some fantastic decorations all across the park and its hotels, with an amazing 50,000 lights decorating Sleeping Beauty’s Castle and a 60 foot Christmas tree at the end of Main Street. The rides themselves are also redecorated at Christmas, and kids will love the seasonal changes to the Haunted House, with a whole theme based on Tim Burton’s popular “The Nightmare Before Christmas” film featuring Jack Skelington. There is also an amazing Christmas Fantasy Parade which is unmissable as well as “West Pole” which is set up in Frontierland and features a get away for Santa so that he can unwind before his big day.

4. New York – Christmas in New York is spectacular, with some impressive decorations and fantastic shows and entertainments. A visit to the huge kids toy stores FAO Schwarz and Toys R Us in Times Square are truly magical, as well as the famous Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center and the amazing Christmas window displays at Macy’s and Saks Fifth Avenue. New York is very cold at this time of year and there is a good chance of snow falling, which can make getting around a bit awkward but adds to the magical atmosphere.

5. Meran, Southern Tirol Italy – This is one of the most popular skiing destinations in the world and also provides a number of other fantastic activities including hiking tours, mountain biking and the very popular lighted night skiing and sledding. The beautiful old Meran town centre was built in the 13th century and was formerly the capital of the Tirol area and offers some excellent and atmospheric shopping and dining experiences over the Christmas break.

6. Bay of Islands, New Zealand – New Zealand is an amazing country with such a lot to offer, and it is summer here in December so expect barbecues on the beach rather than open fires and eggnog. The Bay of Islands has some of the world’s most outstanding natural scenery with over 150 different tiny islands and secluded beaches, and you can stay in beautiful little secluded villas which look out over the miles of blue ocean. Seaside restaurants in the area provide fantastic Christmas feasts if you don’t feel in the mood to cook for yourself, and you can take memorable Christmas morning cruises out from Russell Harbour to watch wildlife such as dolphins and whales.

7. Edinburgh, Scotland – Christmas is always celebrated in style in Edinburgh, with fantastic firework displays and some great Christmas shopping and dining experiences. The luxurious Caledonian Hilton provides an atmospheric and intimate stay with roaring fireplaces and tasteful decorations, and a trip to the 600 year old St. Giles Cathedral on Christmas Eve to hear the sermon and carol singing is truly special and will get you in the perfect mood for Christmas day.

8. Malmö, Sweden – this beautiful city was built back in the 16th century and has some amazing buildings that look simply magical covered in decorations and a light blanket of snow. Christmas is celebrated on Christmas Eve by most families in Sweden, so make sure that if you want to eat Christmas dinner out you book up in advance on 24th, as most restaurants actually close on Christmas Day. Traditional Swedish Christmas feasts are based on mainly fish dishes, but you will find the odd turkey roast here and there.

9. Mexico City – there is a real party vibe in the capital of Mexico all year long, but things get especially hot at Christmas time, making this one of the best Christmas party towns in the world. Check into the Hotel Habita, which has a wonderful swinging rooftop lounge and lap pool, and is full of experienced party people looking to unwind and have a great time. You can eat a traditional Mexican Christmas meal in the fantastic courtyard at San Ángel Inn, which is a former Carmelite monastery built in 1692, and there is also some excellent gift shopping places in the nearby main square where artists and craftsman display their wares in various shops and stalls.

10. Boston USA – Boston has a real old world feel, with its grand old architecture and cobblestoned streets , and it is a real treat to spend Christmas here browsing through the shops and stalls and relaxing in one of the many coffee houses and cafes. The XV Beacon Hotel is a great place to stay combining vintage detail such as four poster beds with modern amenities (Internet connections and CD players) and it is close to the one of the oldest parks in the USA, Boston Common which looks simply stunning when it snows in mid winter.

Best Christmas 2009 and 2010 Holiday Concerts and Tours in North America

Trans-Siberian Orchestra started in the beginning of November long holiday run across North America with Christmas 2009 concert program. Two groups of TSO are touring simultaneously to visit nearly 80 cities in US, and Canada. In October the orchestra released new album, titled "Night Castle". The project consists of rock band, symphony orchestra and a large ensemble of vocalists.

Mannheim Steamroller already kicked off annual Christmas tour which covers 58 US cities this year. The show includes famous Mannheim Steamroller's Christmas sounds, and some multimedia effects. Tour itinerary lists Salt Lake City (UT), Indianapolis (IN), Chicago (IL), Denver (CO), Washington (DC), Houston (TX), New York (NY), San Francisco (CA), and many other markets. In addition to the tour the group is releasing album "Mannheim Steamroller Christmas - 25th Anniversary Collection" featuring famous holiday classics of Mannheim Steamroller.

Another great news that Radio City Christmas Spectacular, originally New York holiday show, is touring across over 20 North American cities in 2009/2010 season! The project will give concerts in Atlanta (GA), Baltimore (MD), Cincinnati (OH), Columbus (OH), Orlando (FL), Philadelphia (PA), Washington (DC), Toronto (ON), and in many smaller markets. Radio City Christmas Spectacular is wonderful holiday show for all family.

Pop singer/songwriter David Archuleta announced fall/winter 2009 tour to support his new album "Christmas From the Heart" released in October. The trek kicks off November 24 in Salt Lake City (UT). Archuleta will visit 17 cities including San Francisco (CA), Anaheim (CA), Kansas City (MO), St. Paul (MN), Cleveland (OH), and Baltimore (MD). David will perform Christmas songs, and his previously recorded material....

Kausani - The 'Switzerland of India'

The beautiful hill station of Kausani is located in Uttaranchal, India. It is just 53 km away from Almora which is another beautiful hill station of the state. Called the 'Switzerland of India' by none other than the 'Father of the Nation', Mahatma Gandhi, Kausani is the pride of the Himalayas.

An epitome of serenity and tranquility, and much famed for its pine trees covered valleys and the views of the snow covered peaks of the Himalayas, Kausani is honeymooners' paradise. From here, one can enjoy more than 300 km wide panoramic views of the Himalayas. The mesmerizing sight of the mountain peaks of the Trishul, Nanda Devi and Panchchuli from Kausani takes one's breath away. Kausani is also much famous for its beautiful sunsets and sunrises.

The place is so beautiful that it compelled even Mahatma Gandhi to prolong his stay here. He was supposed to stay for just two days here but the idyllic and stunning Kausani enticed him to stay here for 12 days during which he wrote his book on Anasakti Yoga. The place where the 'Father of the Nation' stayed is the Anasakti Ashram that shows Kausani's association with the Mahatma.

Kausani is also associated with the name of the great poet laureate Sumitranandan Pant who was born here. The Pant Museum at Kausani is worth visiting. Lakshmi Ashram at Kausani is yet another attraction of the place and worth visiting. It is symbolic of women emancipation.

Then there is the famous Baijnath Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva which is just 25 km away from Kausani. This 1000-year old temple is located in pleasant surroundings and attracts people inspired by nature and religion. Mythology has it that the Goddess Parvati went to marry Lord Shiva from this place. The Nanda Devi Temple located 10 km away from Baijnath is yet another prominent attraction of the place. It offers wonderful views of the Himalayas and the pine covered valleys below.

Kausani is well connected by rail, road and air. The nearest airport is at Pantnagar which is 180 km away and the nearest rail head is at Kathgodam which is 142 km away. The best time to visit Kausani is October-November and February-March.

Wildlife Tourism in India

The Indian Wildlife has been varied as well as rich in nature. Indian land is almost 4% is covered by the forests where there are 90 national parks and 482 wildlife sanctuaries. There is the mix of species of the various origins. There is the huge number of the national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in the country. According to the study India has about 60-70% of biodiversity of the whole world.

Our country is the home of the numerous mammals like Asian Elephants, Asiatic Lion, Bengal Tiger, Sloth Bear, Indian Rhinoceros and Leopard that is associated with deities. Other Indian mammals like Wild Asian Water buffalo, Nilgai, Gaur and several species of the antelopes and deer. The dog family members like Indian Wolf, Golden jackal, Bengal Fox and Dhole or Wild Dogs which are vastly distributed over the place. Stripped Hyena, Macaques, Mongoose and Langurs are also find here in vast number.

Indian Wildlife has has the 'Wow' factor as it is having the varied biodiversity and the heritage that attracts the tourists and the visitors from all over the globe. Some of the famous National parks in India are Jim Corbett National Park (Uttaranchal), Bandhavgarh National Park and Kanha National Park in Madhya Pradesh, Gir National Park in Sasangir (Gujrat), Ranthambhor National Park in Sawai Madhopur which is having around 585 bird species. The Jim Corbett was the first National Park of the country which was established in the foothills of Himalayas.

There are certain famous and adventurous wildlife sanctuaries in the country such as:

Bharatpur Wildlife Sanctuary in Rajasthan: It is known as the best bird sanctuary of the country. The Bharatpur Wildlife Sanctuary supports 300 species of birds and is spread over 29 sq kms.

Jim Corbett National Park: It has been located at the foothills of Himalayas. It is having the diverse variety of the flora and fauna. Basically it is famous for the Tigers, Leopards and Elephants. This national park has been established in the year 1936. About the flora of the Corbett it can be said that there are near about 110 species of trees, 50 mammal species, 580 species of birds, an 25 species of reptiles.

Gir National Park in Gujarat: It has been situated at the southwest peninsula of the Gujarat which is spreaded over 116 square mile of the state. The sanctuary has been made for the wild lions. The major wildlife attraction of the Gir National Park is the Leopard and it is known for the largest home for the Leopards.

Periyar National Park in Kerela: In the ranges of the western ghats in Kerela, Periyar National park is situated. It has been a home for the Tigers and Indian Elephants. The other major wildlife attractions of the Periyar National Park is the Gaur, Wild Pigs, Barking Dear, Sambar, Dole or Wild Indian Dog, Mouse Dear.

Manas National Park: Manas National Park or Manas Wildlife Sanctuary is situated at the foothills of Himalayas extended till the parts of Bhutan. The park has been home to the endangered species such as Assam Roofed Turtle, Golden Langur, Hispid Hare and Pygmy Hog. This wildlife sanctuary has been spread over 360 Sq km. It has been declared as the World Heritage Sites by the UNESCO and is basically situated in Assam, India.

Kaziranga National Park: Kaziranga National park is located in Assam. The park was declared as the highest Tiger reserve in the year 2006. The park has almost two-third highest density of the one horned rhinoceros. It has the vast number of the tall elephant grass, marshland and dense tropical moist broadleaf forest.

Kanha National Park: Located in Mandla and Balaghat district of Madhya Pradesh. Kanha National park is a home to the Royal Bengal Tigers, Sloth Bear, Leopards, Indian Wild Dogs and Barasingha. It has been established in the year 1955.

iExplore Egypt & Kenya Experience

Experience two sides of Africa. Explore the ancient wonders of Egypt before heading over to Kenya's Maasai Mara for intense game viewing....

Travelers have been marveling at Egypt's wondrous antiquities for thousands of years - even the ancient Greeks and Romans were awed by them. But today, a visit to Egypt is more than an immersion in past glories. The clamorous present is ever-present: Mud-brick villages sprout TV antennae, stone and glass high-rises tower over ancient monuments and pop music from boom boxes counterpoints the call to prayers.

Near all of Egypt is desert, but the small part that isn't - the valley of the Nile River - is vital to the nation (95% of the population lives within a few miles of the Nile's banks). Most tours of Egypt, whether by cruise, via train, on a bus or in a private car, never stray too far from the river's shores. Egypt is the largest country in the Arab world, and among African nations, is second in population only to Nigeria (Cairo, the continent's most populous city, alone has 16 million people).

Heaven on Earth

Cape Town is the capital of South Africa and is said to be the heaven on earth. It is a small town with many small roads along with the greatest mountains. It shows the greatness of nature and shows how small a man is in front of this great Mother Nature.

Cape Town is famous for its natural floral kingdom as well as its harbor. This town is one of the most popular tourist attractions of South Africa, with its wine tasting day trips, whale and dolphin watching.

Greatest Tourist Spot - North America

USA is located in North America and is one of the greatest tourist spot. People from all over the world come to visit the entertainment capital of the world—Las Vegas. Other places worth of attraction are Golden GateBridge in San Francisco, Mount Rushmore, and the spot of the former WorldTradeCenter in New York, Disneyland, and Lincoln Park. But the most famously visited place in USA is the Grand Canyon; it is actually a very sharp canyon by the Colorado River, Arizona that has the most mind boggling scenery. Scientists are of the opinion that the canyon has been created by the Colorado River over a six million year period. It is not the deepest canyon in the world, it is known for its extremely huge size and beautifully intricate landscape. The Grand CanyonNational Park is said to be one of the first National Parks in the United States and attracts more than five million visitors a year.