Lifestyle /
Must-See Locations This Winter
Looking for warm and exotic places to visit this winter? Look no further! Sourced from some of the best travel advisors in the business, we’ve got a list of the top places you can explore. While the rest of the tourists are flocking to Disney World, Italy, or New York (again!) take advantage of these sunny foreign getaways before everyone else clues in.
ISTANBUL
Once the heart of an empire, Istanbul’s prime location on the Black Sea where Europe meets Asia is known for the world-renowned Hagia Sophia, ancient monuments, beautiful mosques, and sumptuous palaces. In the last few years the face of the city has received a makeover.
Hagia Sophia /turkhey.com
Its recent gentrification has started attracting foodies, artists, fashionistas and film makers alike. While the city fiercely defends its history for museum-goers and scholars, boutique hotels, restaurants, nightclubs and great shopping provide entertainment to those looking for more contemporary vacation activities. Ancient Constantinople or contemporary Istanbul: Why decide when you can have both?
SPAIN
Despite the country’s economic troubles, Spain is still considered to be one of the major European hotspots of 2013. For a taste of history among the city’s churches and monuments, head out to warm and sunny Seville this winter. If you’re looking for a faster pace try Madrid.
The national capital is the 3rd largest city in Europe and provides endless possibilities for exploring museums, restaurants, cultural events, nightlife, shopping or catching a football (soccer) game. If you’re seeking the unusual, Barcelona has the Sagrada Familia, an epic church, UNESCO Heritage Site and the handiwork of Catalan visionary architect Antoni Gaudí.
Sagrada Familia /sunshinelobster.com
While the music festivals and beach parties of Ibiza occur in summer you can still enjoy seaside respite spending restorative days on the beaches. You can also try hiking the trails of Majorca, a popular winter vacation spot for European vacationers.
Although winter is the wrong time of the year to go running with the bulls in Pamplona, there are plenty of exciting things to do in Spain that will keep you on your feet.
MYANMAR
Myanmar (formerly Burma) has rocketed to the top of travel lists this year. Finally open to the West after decades of political isolation, the country is back on the map for travelers with a sense of wanderlust who don’t mind a bit of planning. The payoff includes epic sunsets, stunning vistas and a peek into the vibrant Buddhist culture.
Outside major urban centers like Yangon or Mandalay you’ll witness daily life largely untouched by Western trends. Another major attraction for visitors are the pagodas of Bagan which are among Southeast Asia’s most important sacred ancient sites. Whether you book a hot-air balloon ride over legendary structures dating back to the 11th century or spend the day exploring villages, markets and jungle trails by bicycle, do not miss spectacular sunsets over the floating villages on Inle Lake.
Yangon / plexusworld.com
As Myanmar opens itself to the West, the thought of it being largely undiscovered is likely to fade away soon. So visit it now while the East-meets-West experience is still a novelty to both guests and the host country.
NEW ORLEANS
The city that survived Hurricane Katrina is out to remind visitors that life should be viewed as one big joyous celebration. Though New Orleans is still recovering from the aftermaths of the disaster, the proud host of Superbowl 2013 just completed restoration work on the Superdome.
Cafe Du Monde, New Orleans /familytravelfun.com
The historic Joy Theater on Canal Street has also reopened with addition of 10,000 square feet performance space. The city is best known among tourists for Mardi Gras revels in February and the April-May Jazz Fest in spring. Celebrating Christmas and New Year in the French Quarter and witnessing the January reenactment of the Battle of New Orleans are unique winter experiences. Together, the holiday festivities, booming nightlife and great restaurants make New Orleans the number one U.S. destination the coming winter.
So, pack your bags and get swept off your feet by the amazing holiday experience provided by one of these destinations this winter.
Tell us which of these spots you would like to pick for a family vacation, your second honeymoon or just some time off with your friends.
Source: Travel.nationalgeographic.com, Fodors.com, Cntraveler.com, Businessinsider.com
Feature Image: Tourism.turkeytourism.com
COMMENTS
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
-
How To Host The Perfect South Asian Holiday Dinner
-
ANOKHI's Holiday Gift Guide For Thoughtful Desi Presents For The Home & Beyond
-
Not Into Flu Shots? Try These Centuries-Old Desi Home Remedies Instead!
-
Diwali Gift Guide: Barbie® Diwali Doll & 8 More Unique South Asian Gift Ideas
-
From Turkey To Tadka: Desi-Inspired Thanksgiving Recipes
-
Mommy's Time-Out: How To Reclaim Your Zen After The Back-to-School Scramble
-
Khichdi Cups & 5 South Asian School Lunch Recipes For Busy Desi Parents
-
6 Complaints Desi Grandparents Have About Keeping Pets & How You Can Counter Them
-
Raksha Bandhan Gift Guide: Celebrate The Festival With A Modern Twist!
-
Summer Elixirs: Healthy South Asian Cooling Drink Recipes To Beat The Heat
-
Stay Cool: Build a Summer Garden Oasis At Home With Tulsi & Shade
-
Celebrating International Yoga Day: Find Your Balance Through Chakra Meditation
-
Spice Up Your Summer BBQ With These 5 Mouthwatering South Asian Recipes
-
South Asian Heritage Month: Journey Through Time With 8 Iconic South Asian Travel Destinations
-
How To Add Ancient South Asian Spiritual Cleansing Rituals To Modern Spring Cleaning Techniques
-
Toronto's Living Luxe Design Show Sets a New Standard for Luxury Exhibitions
-
Savouring South Asian Style: Elevate Your Home Decor with Cultural Flair
-
6 Ways To Create Fun Quality Time With Your Kids & Parents That Both Will Love!
-
Celebrating South Asian Literature: Must-Read Books by Female Authors
-
Flavourful Festivities: Traditional Holi Recipes To Spice Up Your Table
-
The Living Luxe Design Show Presented By JennAir Announces Powerhouse Program Of Speakers
-
7 Ways Yoga Will Save Your Mental Health
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Can I Convince My Friend That Her Threatening Boyfriend Is The Problem, Not Me?
-
10 Tips To Manage & Survive Long-Distance Relationships
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: I'm Afraid My Childhood Bully Will Be Back In My Life, What Do I Do?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Create "Me Time" In My Demanding Life?
-
Hot Spot Alert: Mishree Cocktails & Cuisine Exhilarates With South Asian X Middle Eastern Cuisine
-
BioAro Founder Dr. Anmol Kapoor Wants You To Be The CEO Of Your Health
-
Savour the Holidays With This Paneer Pakora Recipe By KFI Sauces!
-
Here's How To Craft And Achieve Meaningful New Year's Resolutions
-
Snack It Up This Holiday Season with Indian-Inspired Potato Wedges by KFI Sauces
-
Butter Chicken Nachos Recipe By KFI Sauces Is Perfect For Your Holiday Spread
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Tell My Friend She's Taking My Emotional Support For Granted?
-
Anjali Pathak of Patak's Shares Her Favourite Recipes For The Holiday Season
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: Why Does Our Family Get Togethers Always End With A Fight?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Tell My Sis-In-Law To Stop Intruding In My Daughter's Wedding Plans?
-
Event Alert: The Auric Living Conference Brings Holistic Healing To Toronto
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: I'm On The Outs With My Friend Because I Supported Her Breakup What Do I Do?
-
Event Alert: The Desai Foundation Rings In 10th Anniversary of "Diwali On The Hudson" Gala
-
South Asians & Arthritis: Busting Myths And Sharing Facts About This Disease In Our Community
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Convince My Kids That My Granddaughter's Best Friend Is A Bully?
-
Make Your Brunch Brilliant With This French Buckwheat Crepes & Dosas Recipe!
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Tell My Sis-In-Law That Her Messy Dog Is Not Welcome At My House?
-
You Just Need A Hot Pot To Make This Amazing Masala Style Vegan Tomato Soup
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Tell My Friend To Stop Interrupting Me?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Trust My Husband After He Cheated On Me?
-
Check Out This Insane Recipe For Mini Masala Idli
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Tell My Brother That His Cottage Rules Ruins All The Fun?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: What Do I Do When My Fiancé Shares His Dog With His Ex?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Convince My Partner That Our Six-Year-Old Is To Young For Sleepovers?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Deal With My Friend Who Always Wants To Start A Fight?
-
Here's Why Paris Calls Tharshan Selvarajah The Best Baguette Baker In The City
